Whiskers had been at the nursing home for as long as anyone could remember. He was picky with people but had a special bond with Mr. Delano, who would gently pet him each morning. When Mr. Delano passed away, Whiskers curled up on his empty bed, grieving.

The next day, while packing Mr. Delano’s belongings, a nurse found an old photo of a young Mr. Delano holding a kitten—Whiskers. The note on the back read, “My boy, always waiting.” Whiskers, it seemed, had been waiting for him all along.

Days later, Whiskers led me to the front door where a young man, Daniel, stood. He recognized Whiskers immediately from a childhood photo of himself with a kitten. Daniel explained the cat had belonged to his grandfather, Mr. Delano. Whiskers seemed at peace, finding his long-lost companion.

That night, Daniel stayed with Whiskers, and when he left, Whiskers followed him. “Are you taking him?” I asked. Daniel smiled, “If he’ll have me.” And just like that, Whiskers had a new home.

Love, it seems, never truly leaves; it just waits to be found.